Lithium-ion Engine-start Battery Now Certified on Robinson R66

True Blue Power announced today the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) granted Type Certification (TC) for the company’s TB17 (17-amp hour) lithium-ion, engine-start battery on Robinson R66 helicopters. In addition to this recent certification, the TB17 is now STC approved on Robinson R44 helicopters and Type Certified as standard equipment on Bell Helicopter’s new 505 Jet Ranger XTM.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Lithium-ion Engine-start Battery Now Available for Robinson R66 Robinson R66 Certified to Fly with True Blue Power(R) Lithium-ion BatteryWICHITA, Kan. (July 19, 2017) -- True Blue Power announced today the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) granted Type Certification (TC) for the company's TB17 (17-amp hour) lithium-ion, engine-start battery on Robinson R66 helicopters. In addition to this recent certification, the TB17 is now STC approved on Robinson R44 helicopters and Type Certified as standard equipment on Bell Helicopter's new 505 Jet Ranger XTM. True Blue Power's TB17 lithium-ion battery delivers unparalleled benefits to rotorcraft operators when compared to lead-acid and nickel cadmium alternatives. Weighing 16 pounds, the TB17 is significantly lighter than the R66's standard 42-pound battery or the optional high-capacity battery, which weighs 52 pounds. The TB17 offers 60-to-90 percent reduced maintenance cost, increased payload and more efficient high-energy starts. Engineered with proprietary Nanophosphate(R) lithium-ion cell chemistry, the intelligent battery system provides several layers of electronic protection and communicates real-time battery status to the pilot.True Blue Power operates within an AS9100C certified facility and specializes in the custom design and manufacture of advanced power solutions for the global aerospace industry. It is the first company in the world to achieve FAA TSO and EASA ETSO certification for lithium-ion batteries. For more information about True Blue Power contact, Rick Slater, True Blue Power Director, at 316-630-0101 or visit truebluepowerusa.com.About True Blue PowerTrue Blue Power, a division of Mid-Continent Instrument Co., Inc., specializes in the custom design and manufacture of power solutions for the global aerospace industry, including USB charging ports, inverters, converters, emergency power supplies and advanced lithium-ion batteries. Select products feature proprietary Nanophosphate(R) lithium-ion battery technology, which offers stable chemistry, faster charging, consistent output, excellent cycle life and superior cost performance -- this translates into smaller, lighter products that are less than half the size and weight of existing solutions. For additional information, please visit truebluepowerusa.com. About Mid-Continent Instrument Co., Inc. (dba Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics)Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics manufactures, overhauls and repairs aircraft instruments, avionics and advanced power solutions. Operating within an AS9100C certified facility; Mid-Continent serves 57 countries and supports business and commercial aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), defense, and special missions markets. The company manufactures more than 20,000 units per year and processes more than 15,000 units in its overhaul, exchange and repair operation. For additional information, visit mcico.com. About Robinson HelicopterFounded in 1973 by Frank Robinson, Robinson Helicopter Company in Torrance, California is currently the world's leading manufacturer of civil helicopters. Robinson manufactures, assembles, inspects and flight tests all of its helicopters at its 617,000 square foot factory in Torrance. The factory is equipped with state-of-the-art machinery; including computer numerically controlled machining centers and coordinate measuring machines. To maximize efficiency a large percentage of parts are manufactured in-house allowing the company to control costs, eliminate delays and ensure the best possible quality. To date, the company has produced more 11,900 helicopters. In addition to new production, Robinson offers a factory overhaul program for older aircraft. A worldwide network of more than 400 Service Centers and Dealers provide service support. For additional information, please visit robinsonheli.com. # # #